lpn's wanted for non traditional nursing facilities

[tishluvnc]

Question, I'm a cna working in home health that is trying to decide if I want to further my career in nursing as a lpn. I am graduating with a BA sociology degree with a minor in substance abuse. Problem! I thought I wanted to be a medical health or public health social worker, but after a internship in mental health it turned me against mental health. As a cna i'm use to hands on and not playing phone tag and pushing paper. However, I'm finding it hard to decide exactly what I want to do. My degree say social worker, but my heart says medical.

The RN at my agency informed me that while she was looking for a job, before she got hired at my agency as the head nurse incharge (who was looking for an rn) most employers wanted lpn in settings like doctors offices, clinics, etc. That sounded good being that alot of these places are standard hours. These are the places I would like to start my career being that I have a young child. I can honestly say that at this time I would not like the pressure of working in a hospital or long hours. I thought about LTC, but feel that is like long hours at a hospital. What advice do you nurses have?

Being a cna I realized that I get a great feeling leaving my clients comfortable and better off. I also like human anatomy and the study of disease process. But I do realize that I desire a job that has standard set hours. I have worked weekends and evenings for the last 4 years, i'm burned out. I was also thinking about RDH, PTA, or X-ray technician, but can't help to think about the upward mobility of nursing.

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

lpn or even medical assistant would be good if you are looking to get into a dr's office setting. i actually think they are hiring more medical assistants than lpns now in dr's offices, but with the lpn if you can find a job you will probably make more. the medical assistant program is usually shorter, but you will probably only make slightly more than you do as a CNA.

just be forewarned, ive done some observations at clinics/offices and the nurses/MAs do a LOT of paper pushing as well. all the hands on work is really just taking height and weight, doing a blood pressure, then telling them the dr will be with them shortly. i was bored to death by the end of the day. so if you want a little more stimulation i would go for the lpn and work LTC or hospital if you can get it, but the hours may not be desirable.

[LTV950rn]

You could also go for your RN, get paid more, and NOT work in a hospital. Depending on your area, it can be hard to find hospital jobs anyway. You can work in a clinic as an RN, maybe do same-day surgery, home health or private duty, school nursing, etc.

I was an LPN for 5 years and enjoyed the predictable clinic hours I had (M-F, 7:30-4). What I did not enjoy was the not-so-great pay, monotonous tasks, and at times being treated like a lesser person for being "only an LPN." (I do not and have never felt this way about LPN's, but ofent got some of this attitude from others). I wanted an opportunity to advance and gain more pay, so I did my RN last year. In my area, it is hard to get into a hospital and I don't even desire hospital work, so I decided on a private duty nursing job. (and love it!).

Good luck to you! I hope that helps some!

[tishluvnc]

Yes, thank you for posting a response! It just feel like in any career you will have to deal with something you don't like. I'm sure as you gain skills and seniority better job hours can be achieved even if you have to relocate. I will look to completing my RN prereq, and apply. If I can't find a spot within two cc colleges around my way I will go Lpn-rn. Thanks!